Who has the rings? Alternative ideas for wedding ring exchanges.

Hello nearlyweds!

Over the last year, I've noticed a growing trend among couples who wish to adapt their wedding ring exchange. From heartfelt band warmings to playful surprise ring bearers, couples are getting increasingly imaginative with this moment in their wedding ceremony. If you're seeking something a bit unique, here are some ideas I've discovered while crafting ceremonies for my wonderful couples.

Band Warming

At the start of your ceremony, the rings are given to the guest sat at the top corner or your wedding ceremony space. They will be asked to hold your ring box in their hands and make a silent wish for you, they will then be instructed to pass them on to the person next to them, who will do the same. During the ceremony the rings will be passed from guest to guest, so by the time it comes to your ring exchange everyone in the room will have left a silent wish. This is a great way to involve all your guests, and your celebrant can speak about your community and love in the room.

Surprise Ring Bearers

You may have seen the viral video of a celebrant in a lilac suit attaching rings to the bottom of a chair... that's me!

Before the ceremony, your celebrant will attach the rings to a random chair, whoever sits on that chair will be your surprise ring bearer.

Before your ring exchange you can have fun with making this announcement and watching all your guests look under their chair is always an interesting sight!

If you're worried about certain guests, just ask your celebrant to place it in the first two rows where your bridal party and family will be.

Pawfect Ring Delivery

I can't talk about ring exchanges without talking about doggo ring bearers!

If you have a furry companion, consider having them be a part of your ceremony. All you need is something for them to carry the rings in.

Always the cutest photos!

Photo: Alicia Eden Photo

Ring security

Always funny - your little ones as your 'ring security' - get them a briefcase, some sunglasses and maybe a toy gun that shoot bubbles and you're on to a hilarious but cute moment!

Ring Display

Want to keep your ring exchange simple? or perhaps you're eloping? You don't have to have any ring bearers or ideas highlighted above.

Wedding rings resting in a blue ring dish

Instead, you can place them in a ring dish at the front of your ceremony with your vow cards and decorative certificate. Image: Different Angle Photography

Jazz up your ring exchange wording with a poem

I won't be giving away any of my poems I use for my own couples, but I often write a short, personalised poem for them to say 'I do' to at the end. Just a change from the classic 'I give you this ring'. This idea came from a couple I crafted a ceremony for back in May 2024, they were tired of the standard ring exchange wording, so I did what I do best, write a poem instead and it went down a treat!

Deciding who should go first!